Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Star Wars: An Old Hope resurrects the mythic feel, playful tone, and wondrous excitement of its pre-prequeled predecessors, perhaps a bit too exactly.  Solo chews up scenery but Leia is re-imagined as a droid, while new faces breath life into Ta2ine, and vague visions force fans to watch future films.

Star Trek Into Darkness

Ludicrous flying car conclusion aside, the alternate Enterprise’s second journey is even more satisfying.  After some far-fetched terrorism and an old-western show-down with some Klingons’ cousins, reKirk et al learn that coming between Robocop and Sherlock is startlingly dangerous.  Oh, spoiler… the reveal is beautifully justified with countless ikahnic throwbacks.

Super 8

E.T. and Cloverfield copulate to produce alarmingly super film. Spielberg’s foul-mouthed kids with amazing dynamic blend almost too well into Abrams’ explosions and mystery. The result is an exciting War of the Goonies which can become unrealistic at times but ultimately satisfies. Charm of the 80s with effects of today.

Star Trek

Fun film about lens flares and how red matter can be used to create plot holes in space-time. Compelling actors distract from fallacious screenplay. The most logical character(s) launches Kirk into space for being irritating, and later jeopardizes Starfleet for sake of potential future friendship. Warning: Film Not for Vulcans.